Thermodynamics Senior Research Investigator

As we create a colorful, capable and cleaner world through chemistry, we invite you to join our team to harness the power of chemistry to shape markets, redefine industries and improve lives for billions of people around the world.

Chemours is seeking a Thermodynamics Senior Research Investigator to join our growing R&D team for the Thermal & Specialized Solutions (TSS) business. This position will report directly to the Global Core Services Manager at our global R&D center Discovery Hub in Newark, DE location. This unique role combines hands-on laboratory experimentation with advanced thermodynamic modeling to support the development of next-generation refrigerants, foam expansion agents, specialty fluids, thermal management technologies, and sustainable process solutions.

In the TSS business, we harness next-generation, low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) technology to provide market driven innovations to customers in the areas of Refrigerants, Propellants, Fire Protection, Foam Blowing Agents and heat transfer fluids for Thermal Management used in various systems for building and construction segments, Mobile and Stationary heating, Data Centers and cooling systems to name a few.  Our technology organization consists of experts in the areas of fluorine chemistry, catalysis, process development, engineering, thermodynamics analytical and formulation science, and application development.  

The successful candidate will serve as a key technical expert responsible for generating high-quality thermophysical property data, developing predictive thermodynamic models, and translating both experimental and modeling insights into deliverable property packages providing business value. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working both in the laboratory and at the computer, designing and running experiments one day and developing advanced thermodynamic models the next.

The responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Utilize expertise in thermodynamics, physics and chemical engineering to support TSS business across functions including research and development, plant operations, new capital projects, sustainability, and technical support to both industry partners and our technical team in general.
• Design, develop, operate, and improve laboratory systems used to measure thermophysical properties and phase equilibria. Plan and execute experiments to characterize:
  • Vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE)
  • Liquid-liquid equilibrium (LLE)
  • Vapor-liquid-liquid equilibrium (VLLE)
  • Solid-liquid equilibrium (SLE)
  • Density
  • Viscosity
  • Thermal conductivity
  • Heat capacity
  • Phase behavior
  • Other transport and thermodynamic properties

• Independently design experimental programs, collect and analyze data, and communicate technical conclusions. Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade laboratory equipment and instrumentation. Develop new measurement capabilities to address emerging technology needs. Ensure laboratory operations comply with safety, quality, and documentation standards.
• Perform parameter estimation, model calibration, regression analysis, model validation using experimental data, and laboratory data validation using existing knowledge, models, and informed intuition. Provide thermodynamics data packages including optimized thermodynamic and developed chemical process models for Aspen Plus and potentially other simulation software. Train and help other R&D colleagues in deploying the thermophysical property data packages.
• Assist with designing new physical property measurement systems based on project needs, as well as system validation experimental design. Assist with troubleshooting of experimental apparatuses.
• Provide thermophysical and phase equilibria data to support customer technical support, process development, environmental and sustainability teams.
• Provide patent examples and other relevant data for intellectual property (IP) development. Opportunity to be co-inventor on patents and other IP generation. Assist patent lawyers and liaisons with needed data for patent prosecutions and defenses.
• Support projects related to automotive thermal management, residential and commercial air conditioning and heating, data center cooling, commercial and industrial refrigeration, and thermal insulation.
• Analyze data independently, draw statistically based conclusions, and determine the next steps.

The following is required for this role:

• PhD and 3+ years of experience (or MS with at least 8 years of relevant work experience) in Chemical, Mechanical or related engineering field.
• Hands-on experience in high accuracy experimental setups preferably measuring thermophysical properties.
• Proficiency with assignment of transport properties (viscosity, conductivity, etc.) to complex chemical systems.
• Experience in parameter regression using data i.e. model calibration and validation; specific experience in thermophysical systems is a plus.
• Expertise in any one of the following programming languages: Python, FORTRAN, C++, Java
• Good interpersonal and written/oral communication skills, excellent presentation skills, and the ability to work well with all levels in the organization.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple, complex, time-sensitive projects.
• Ability to work in a team environment with a high degree of initiative and self-motivation and flexibility to monitor and move projects forward quickly and safely.

The following is preferred for this role:

• Specialization in thermodynamics with expertise in nonelectrolyte systems is a major plus.
• Experience in commissioning, troubleshooting, and calibrating experimental apparatus for measuring fundamental physical properties or phase equilibria. Well versed in uncertainty assessment.
• Experience with fitting and evaluating activity coefficient models, equations of state will be preferred.
• Expertise in the application of thermodynamics models in chemical process simulation software (Aspen Plus, etc.).
• Experience using standard modeling and thermodynamics packages (MathCad, MATLAB, REFPROP, OLI AQ or MSE, FactSage, Thermo-Calc, MTDATA, ESS, etc.).
• Familiar with data science-based prediction methods for thermophysical properties and phase equilibria using ML models, QSPR, QSAR techniques, etc.
• Knowledge of thermal systems modeling and simulation.
• Knowledge or the desire to learn fluorochemical science and related application technologies.
• Relevant experience working on refrigeration or air conditioning equipment at component (e.g., compressors, heat exchangers, etc.) or system level (e.g., commercial, residential, or automotive system).
• Experience in first principles/multi-scale modeling, e.g. DFT or other approximations of first principles, and experience with programs like Gaussian, VASP, etc.

In our pursuit to be the greatest place to work, we know that a critical element to enhancing our employee experience is to assure we’re operating with a solid foundation of trust. At Chemours, this means being transparent about how we pay our employees for the work that they do.

Pay Range (in local currency):

$110,544.00 - $172,725.00

Chemours Level:

26

Annual Bonus Target:

11%

The pay range and incentives listed above is a general guideline based on the primary location of this job only and not a guarantee of total compensation. Factors considered in extending a compensation offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, and alignment with market data. The incentive pay is dependent on business results and individual performance and subject to the terms and conditions of the specific plans.

At Chemours, you will find sustainability in our vision, our business and your future. If you want to work on the leading edge of your field and have a desire to make a difference, join Chemours and discover what it means when we say "We Are Living Chemistry."